LeftyJ

Earlier today I posted this about headless basses in response to this thread: I play two Status S2 Classics and a Hohner B2A, and to me the biggest advantages are: Tuning stability: because you don't need to wind the strings around a tuning post, there is a lot less slipping and stretching. Instead, on most headless systems, the ball ends of the string clamp into a claw at the bridge end and the claw moves forward and backward on a threaded tuning screw. Once the strings are properly stretched, there is barely any detuning; Compact size. I like how compact my Status basses are, especially for portability: they fit into a regular guitar gigbag. The Hohner has its own dedicated gigbag which is even more compact because of the body size (if you can call it a body). A Kramer Duke has regular bass guitar tuners, so the first argument doesn't count for those basses, but they are really compact (even more so than a Steinberger, because of their short scale which makes them pretty unique). The aluminium necks with wood inserts are a bit of an oddity too, and have many lovers and haters alike for their weight and (apparent lack of) tuning stability because of their sensitivity to temperature changes. For these reasons it wouldn't be my weapon of choice. I would also be weary of the balance on these. Because the body is so compact it doesn't add much weight to balance out the weight of the neck, and the front strap button is roughly behind fret 16/17.

I studied silence to learn the music I joined the sinful to regain innocence From "Dead to the world" by Nightwish. I don't listen to it much anymore, but that bit always stuck with me.

That is beautiful! What is that top wood? I love the figuring, it's subtle and understated but it has beautiful figuring.

Awesome job! That bridge system looks great, and the routing and refinishing was nicely done. I really like the look of that cutout for tuner access. I play two Status S2 Classics and a Hohner B2A, and to me the biggest advantages are Tuning stability: because you don't need to wind the strings around a tuning post, there is a lot less slipping and stretching. Instead, on most headless systems, the ball ends of the string clamp into a claw at the bridge end and the claw moves forward and backward on a threaded tuning screw. Once the strings are properly stretched, there is barely any detuning; Compact size. I like how compact my Status basses are, especially for portability: they fit into a regular guitar gigbag. The Hohner has its own dedicated gigbag which is even more compact because of the body size (if you can call it a body).

😆

Came here to say this. Washburn S1000!

Marilyn Manson - Killing Strangers Disturbed - Down with the sickness Queensryche - Spreading the disease Manic Street Preachers - Another invented disease Mudhoney - Touch me I'm sick Bon Jovi - Social disease The Smiths - Girlfriend in a coma Madness - Cardiac Arrest Turbonegro - All my friends are dead Athlete - Don't hold your breath

Original thread is still here:

I've owned and played several different types of neck construction, and have only had warping issues with one: an old (late 1990s) G&L SB-2 with the old bi-cut neck. Those are technically one-piece maple necks, but sawn in half down the middle to install the truss-rod from the side (!) and then glued back together. This was specifically done to prevent warping issues, but it happened to mine anyway. G&L doesn't use this type of neck construction anymore since they were bought by BBE, I suspect because of cost issues (routing the neck below the fingerboard, or from the back and installing a skunkstripe, seems like an easier and more affordable way). I think I've just had bad luck with mine, I know there are many more G&L's out there with that type of neck construction that are perfectly fine. I'd grab a nice one-piece quartersawn maple neck just as gladly as I'd play a good laminate.

I love the colour! That bridge looks HUGE btw! What is it? Kickass 5?

Probably because it wasn't. Book matching, in luthiery, is usually only done with decorative tops and veneers - which are split along the length, and then folded open like a book so the two pieces exactly mirror eachother. Two-piece bodies are the norm in solid body bass and guitar building (and often more pieces, Fender has already been mentioned). I can imagine it being disappointing if the wood selection doesn't match up to the price point, and maybe the body on yours was better suited for a solid colour. But then again these new Skylines are Indonesian factory-made, and not built by a skilled luthier who loves his job and takes great pride in his product. I think you can hardly blame that on quality control, that has much more to do with fit, finish and playability.

I have to agree. The brightness of bronze strings also makes for lots of extra finger noise when playing, so imperfections in your technique will stand out extra.

I used to be all for transparent finishes, and as a lefty (traditionally offered a choice between sunburst and black only) I should hate myself for this, but I'm still going to say it: black! Paired with a black 3-ply pickguard I love the luxurious look, especially with white blocks and bindings.

Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley

Before the hangman's noose - Devildriver

Eat it - Weird Al Yankovic

King Me - Lamb of God

They can even do a wood veneer in the phenolic resin so it will look like a wooden fingerboard.

Cool, I wasn't aware they reissued the EXB series. Odd to rename it, but also understandable given its resemblance to the popular RG guitar range. Can't go wrong with the SR300e, the Soundgear is Ibanez' "can all, do all" range. Any Ibanez will offer excellent value for money in its price range, so I bet the RGB will be an excellent bass too. Both have thin, flat necks so you might want to try them in person first. The pickup configuration in the EXB is very popular among metal bassists. For death metal and the likes, you might want to consider going 5-string for the added low notes down to a low B. Since you specifically mention your long fingers, you might just enjoy the extra width too. Both models are available as 5-string, the RGB305 and SR305.

Nice, I quite like the simplicity and plain look! 24" scale should be fun too.

Striking similarity to the Status Retro-J model too.

Pu$$y - Rammstein

If you still love everything about the G&L except the neck, you could also order a new one? G&L offers different neck options on their USA-made basses.

Break Stuff - Limp Bizkit

Enter - Within Temptation